Fuel system: New carbs, fuel pump, fuel lines & hoses. Internal rust in petrol tank: most removed when tank taken out, but in-line fuel filters fitted & replaced regularly for first 500 miles or so until rust stopped coming through. No need for new tank.

Wheels: after-market wide wheel replaced with standard items.

General Comments:

Above all standard Spitfire stuff and a lot less than some projects. Worth getting an unbodged, if worn, original car as starting-point. Body repairs done professionally. Check original specs before buying car & starting work. When working on car always use correct nuts/bolts & spring washers/locknuts as car vibrates more than a modern one and things otherwise work loose.

Car feels very ancient compared with modern, but great fun. Takes time to get into its 'rhythm' but, once you have, driving is second-nature. Slow-in, steady round, accelerate out on curves. Remember it's got swing axles at the back so if you brake in a fast curve it can 'bite' (Read contemporary reports for guidance).

It may look Italian (which the Michelotti styling is of course) and with its high bumper even a little French (especially in Valencia blue) but it is not a supply-sprung cutie with a whirring overhead cam engine, but a true British sports car underneath. You either like it or...

Great value, and reliable so long as you service it by the book and keep an eye on everything. A good Spitfire is much better than the sum of its parts, even if a bad one can be really horrible. If you buy what turns out to be a horror, do try a good one before you throw it away - you might decide it's worth fixing after all.

It cost £575 to buy, with repair costs in low thousands, and very cheap maintenance thereafter. Parts availability and club support excellent. Can't fault it for value.

I'm not usually a sports car person, but the Spit was definitely worth doing and is the sort of old car that's fun in non-car social contexts as well as classic car etc events. Is neither naff nor pretentious so you can take it anywhere and people always enjoy riding in it. And it's fine over long distances (so long as you don't mind a little noise and effort in driving) even if you're well over 6'.

15th Aug 2002, 08:04

Hi, it's nice to have a spot to comment. I bough a 77 Spitfire in May of 2002. In June we drove it from Hamilton Ontario to Myrtle Beach SC. About 3000 miles round trip, and the only trouble we had was the headlight switch broke.